Award-winning actor Pete Postlethwaite’s take on one of the truly great Shakespearean roles. 0151 7094776

THE ENDURANCE (Manchester Royal Exchange until Nov 1)

This acclaimed oddball comedy features a comic tour-de-force by actor Ben Faulks. It tells the story of a polar explorer struggling through a wasteland, dragging a dilapidated piano behind him! 0161 833 9833

ALL THE FUN OF THE FAIR (Manchester Palace until Nov 1)

Impish performer David Essex takes the title of his big selling debut album from the 70s as the inspiration for a musical set against the backdrop of a travelling funfair. 0844 847 2484

SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS (Manchester Opera House until Nov 1)

Former London’s Burning star Steven Houghton and Susan McFadden, winner of ITV’s Grease is the Word, team up for this classic musical. 0844 847 2284

SLAVA’S SNOWSHOW (The Lowry, Salford until Nov 1)

Slava and his ensemble of clowns use water, cobwebs, bubbles and dry ice with dazzling effect, culminating in a blinding, heart-stopping snowstorm, engulfing the awestruck audience. 0870 787 5788

THE WEIR (Newcastle New Vic until Nov 8)

A stunning ghost story set in a bar in the remote west of Ireland. The local bachelors are swapping spooky stories to impress Valerie - but the takes an unexpected twist. 01782 717962

DROWNED OUT (Clwyd Theatr Cymru, Mold until Nov 8)

The decision to drown the valley of Tryweyn near Bala to provide a reservoir for Liverpool sparked a reaction that changed the fate of a nation. 0845 330 3565

EVITA (Stoke Regent until Nov 8)

Louise Dearman plays Eva Peron, wife of former Argentine dictator Juan Peron. In the role of Che is Seamus Cullen, a finalist from the BBC’s Any Dream Will Do. 0870 060 6649

ANTIGONE (Manchester Royal Exchange until Nov 18)

Sophocles’ classic tells the story of Antigone’s defiance – fighting for all she believes and refusing to bow to her ruler and prospective father-in-law when her brother is denied the dignity of a burial. Powerful and shattering, the play brims with modern parallels and takes its audience on a hugely dramatic and emotional journey. 0161 833 9833

INDEPENDENT MEANS (Manchester Library until Nov 22)

As a tribute to the centenary of Annie Horniman’s company at the Gaiety Theatre on Peter Street, the Library presents a comedic gem from Stanley Houghton, one of the leading members of the Manchester School of famous playwrights of the 20th century. Edgar Forsyth, public school educated son of a respected northern gent, returns early from his honeymoon with wife Sidney. His father’s business is not providing the income it once did - which gives Sidney the chance to become the family breadwinner - a ground-breaking concept when it was first created in 1909. 0161 236 7110